My photo
No longer on the river and, again, an empty nester. Back to living on Fleming Island and making some more friends!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Oh, I am stuffed!

I had a nice lunch from McDonald’s today so I could get home quickly for the start of the football game. It seems the drive-through was not running as smoothly as it should, with the line quite long after the order was placed. Two people in front of me had to pull over to wait for their orders to come out but mine was ready for me when I got to the window. I sure do love the Dollar Menu, it really does the trick for me!

The football game is on and already the Jaguars are behind. They are up against the Steelers but it might be okay. The punter has been replaced since last week---he was the oldest NFL player at the ripe age of 43. We shall see what happens today with a new guy doing the kicking. If they capitalized on the possessions instead of having to give it away, the punter wouldn’t get so much ‘service’, as it were. Easy to say from the arm chair, this I know.

The cough has quieted substantially even since yesterday for which I am most thankful. In fact, I felt so spritely that when I saw on Facebook Saturday a.m. that my friend Stephanie was up and about, made plans to meet her for lunch! It was a great day for dining al fresco at Bahama Breeze and as we sat, chatting, we also were able to watch the Badger game. That is a first for me, I think, or perhaps a second because I think I did watch part or most of the Rose Bowl game at my Mom’s with Lynn at one time. Last year, perhaps??? Basically speaking, it is rare for me to watch. Not for Stephanie who is a faithful fan of the ‘home team’, since she is a Janesville girl.

She told me that Erica was in town for a ‘surprise’ visit, spending the majority of her time with her young man friend, named Justin. Since Erica wanted to surprise everyone at church, she told Stephanie not to tell anyone she was coming. She asked Stephanie if I would be at Victory this week but since I was there last week, I had to be at GS this Sunday. Rats! I would have so loved to see her before she goes back to WLC.

Stephanie told me a little story, too, as we ate. She had attended a ‘small group’ Bible study on Wednesday and somehow, my name came up! The leader of the group, Dan, was trying to figure out who they were talking about since I am not there very often (Victory). One of the young ladies, Elissa, piped up, “You know who that is! She’s the short lady with the bright colored tops who is always so joyful…” Wow, Elissa, you have laid out quite a description for me to live up to. I can do the bright tops without thinking about it, but the joyful part, sometimes needs work! But I love it! What Stephanie did not say, though, was if that description helped or not…

No sooner did I get home from our lunch when I heard the doorbell ringing. As I scampered to the door, I heard my neighbors’ voice through the open kitchen door, “It’s the boogey man!” Randy had come downstairs to personally invite me to a function at his church Sunday night. He claimed that I blew him off when he sent me an invitation but I was sure I sent it back with a ‘NO’ answer. Randy assured me it would be a spiritually uplifting experience and I would go away filled with the Holy Spirit…Yes, at the Assembly of God church, I am sure I would!

And he told me I could leave at half time if I wanted to. Repeatedly I explained to him I am a Lutheran girl and don’t usually go to other people’s churches. But, when he said, “We’re going to sing some fabulous songs, some you probably know…” I said, “You’re going to sing?” Somewhat defensively he said, “Yes, I am going to sing”, okay, now, I’m intrigued! Also, I asked him, “No happy-clappy, right?” and he assured me there would not be any of that. I bet! I also asked him if there was food afterward and he didn’t think so. I told him Lutherans like to have food after church, or even before. Randy is my Marine neighbor who does not talk like a choir boy all the time. It surprised me to receive this invitation in the first place and then to know he is a singer as well…I think I’ll go! Report to follow….

Now that the cough is quieted mostly, I can safely go to visit folks at the hospital. Right now two ladies from church are there, one recently out of ICU and the other recovering after cancer surgery. She had lost her son, age 37, suddenly early last month and now discovered colon cancer. My new book of prayers recommended by Judy R. will go with me to the hospital. Love it! I can stop at the hospital before going over to the Assembly of God church for my uplifting experience!